History Of The Lion House
Well preserved, restored and adapted for 21st-century lifestyles, The Lion House, as it has been known, is a Como neighborhood treasure. Originally built in 1914, by Real Estate Developer, State Legislator, and Lt Governor Thomas Frankson, the home was an impressive mansion in its day. Designed by Bungalow Construction Company's architect, C.L. French, the $17,000 home was the first house built on the recently platted, 120 acres of farmland that became Frankson's Como Park Addition. Massive stone lions, standing guard at the front walk have given the house its name, The Lion House.
The mansion is truly a property of distinction and a neighborhood treasure, with glazed porcelain tile brick, a green tile roof covering the exterior and amazing architectural details inside. An estimated 120 windows throughout the house cast rainbows of light across the rooms as sunlight refracts through the beveled, leaded glass, diamond patterned upper sashes in most of the rooms. Many of the main level light fixtures and chandeliers are original to the house.
There have been some adaptations throughout the 105 years. A fire damaged the conservatory that was on the front of the house. There is still a dome over that space which is now incorporated into the dining room. At some point, the kitchen was enlarged, incorporating the former butler's pantry into space. Each level of the home has experienced some changes over the years, but the renovations have been done with respect to the original architectural integrity. The 1140 square foot detached garage, formerly a carriage house, once accommodated 7 cars. A large workshop was needed for preservation and maintenance projects in the house, so a large portion of the garage was repurposed. Old bullet holes in some of the leaded glass windows of the garage came from a former owner's actions toward pigeons.
There are many unique and eye-catching features at 1349 Midway Parkway, from the cast deer sculptures in the water feature garden, which replicate the deer that were in early photos of the water garden outside of the conservatory, to the fantastic restored portico with an artful ceiling. The home is a fine example of preservation and adaptation which make the property a unique and great place to live.
Details
Amenities
8 Bedrooms/9 Baths
16 Residents
Non-Resident Director (Tara H.) and Two Peer Recovery Specialists
Two Washers and Dryers
Great location
Off-street parking
MASH Membership
Convenient Location To:
AA/NA meetings
Minneapolis/St Paul IOP Programs
Como Zoo
State Fair
Hamline Ave Bus Line
HarMar Mall Shopping/Restaurants
Allianz Field
Light Rail on Snelling & University
Close to 94 and easy access to St Paul and Minneapolis
Iconic Lion House across the street from Como Park and walking distance to the MN State Fairgrounds. Historic three-story, seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms mansion. Rainbows of light make their way across each room through the beveled, leaded glass upper sashes of the many windows on each level.
Why Sober Housing?
A six month to a year stay in sober living can be an integral and life changing decision in recovery. Taking the time after in-patient treatment to immerse yourself in the sober community and live with other women embracing recovery has many benefits for all members of the family. Having people to share a meal with, attend a meeting, or simply watch a movie at night that really get what the challenges are can be a vital component to a transition to a new life. Having a beautiful and safe home to live in gives pride in recovery and confidence to family members that their loved one has the support needed to re-build relationships and thrive. The Lion House keeps all of this in mind while providing a beautiful and safe setting in the heart of one of the best sober communities in the United States. St Paul is known for recovery support with a large AA community, many meeting and IOP programs as well as job opportunities and fun activities to help build a new and better way to live.